Taekwondo is an ancient form of unarmed combat practiced for many centuries in Korea. It became perfected in its present form by Major General Choi Hong Hi (1918 – 2002), and has been scientifically developed and modernised since its introduction to the world on 11th April 1955. Translated from Korean, Tae means to jump, kick or smash with the foot, Kwon means to punch, strike or destroy with the hand and Do is art, method or way. It is proven to be the most powerful system of self-defence ever devised. To the Korean people Taekwondo is more than a mere use of skilled movements. It also promotes a way of life with a strong sway towards the more philosophical side, particularly instilling a concept and spirit of self imposed discipline and an ideal of noble moral re-armament. In these days of violence and intimidation, which seem to plague our modern societies, Taekwondo enables the weak to possess a fine weapon to defend themselves and when strongly applied it can be very dangerous.

Taekwondo was introduced to Great Britain in 1967 by Rhee Ki Ha.

HISTORY OF THE T.A.G.B.

Taekwondo was introduced into the United Kingdom during 1967, but owing to subsequent political differences arising in Korea, first two then several competing groups came into existence. A number of these were and are dominated by foreign nationals with financial and political interests in what they are doing. A group of the most senior British Taekwondo instructors eventually became so disillusioned with the situation that in 1983 they joined forces to form the Taekwondo Association of Great Britain. The T.A.G.B. contains some of the world’s top Taekwondo performers, with several world, European and British champions.

Since its inauguration, the T.A.G.B. has grown to become the largest and most successful Taekwondo practising organisation in Britain, with more than 25,000 members training in over 600 schools nationwide.

The T.A.G.B. is not just concerned with its own development. That is why it has played a leading role in the reunification of British Taekwondo into one body. In 1988, the T.A.G.B. helped found the British Taekwondo Council, this being the only governing body of Taekwondo to be recognised by the Sports Council.

The T.A.G.B. also helped found Taekwondo International, the object of which is to bring together Taekwondo practitioners throughout the World. Taekwondo International is non-political and it doesn’t attempt to dictate to member countries how they must run their affairs. Since its foundation in 1993, Taekwondo International has grown to become one of the biggest World Taekwondo bodies. Its World Championships are among the largest and best organised and it draws its participants from every continent.